Retrofit doorlight blind assembly

ABSTRACT

A retrofit blind assembly for a doorlight. The assembly includes a frame, a transparent panel, and a blind snap-fitted to the frame. The blind actuator includes gears and a toothed belt for positive, non-slip actuation. A pair of blind guides are mounted on the opposite sides of the frame to receive and guide the opposite ends of the blind. The mounting system includes a pair of brackets that can be secured between the doorlight and the door and upon which the assembly can be hung. The mounting system also includes a pair of movable catches on the lower portion of the frame snap that can be locked behind the doorlight to secure the lower end of the assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to window blind assemblies and,more particularly, to a blind assembly particularly well adapted formounting over doorlights.

[0002] Window units incorporating blinds are well known in the priorart. These units include two panes of glass an a blind assemblysandwiched between the two panes. The blind assemblies includemechanisms both for raising and lowering the blinds and for tilting theblind slats. The units include slides or knobs or handles coupled to themechanisms and accessible from the outside of the unit. When a windowunit is especially designed or adapted for installation in a door, theunit is referred to as a doorlight.

[0003] Because it is difficult, time-consuming and costly to replaceexisting doorlights with doorlights having integral blinds, retrofitassemblies have been developed for retrofitting blinds over doorlights.These retrofit assemblies include a frame that supports both a pane ofglass and a blind assembly. The frame is attached over the frame of theexisting doorlight such that the blind assembly is sandwiched betweenthe pane of the assembly and the existing doorlight. Screws aretypically used to attach the assembly to the doorlight and/or the door.One particularly good example of a retrofit assembly is illustrated inU.S. Pat. No. 5,996,668 issued Aug. 14, 1998 to DeBlock et al.

[0004] Retrofit units are superior to the simple attachment of a blindassembly first because the retrofit units protect the blinds from wearand tear and encase the cords of the blind assembly. Freely hangingcords can be a hazard to children and pets. Second, the retrofit unitconfines the blind and prevents the blind from swinging into the door asthe door is opened and closed or during high winds, thus preventingdamage to the blind and the door. Finally, the encased window blind ismore aesthetically pleasing than a traditionally hung window blind; andthe encased blind requires cleaning less frequently, if ever.

[0005] Despite the advantages of these systems, there is room forimprovement. First, the cords in the units can become tangled if theblind is permitted to free fall within the unit and/or if the unit isinverted (e.g. prior to or during installation). Second, the mechanismof the units often are visible along the sides or edges, contributing toan unsightly appearance. Third, the units require a considerable amountof time to install. Fourth, the fasteners for the units leave permanentmarks (e.g. holes) in the face of the door, which are unsightly if theretrofit unit is removed. Fifth, stocking of units of blinds havingdifferent colors creates a significant inventory issue. Sixth, replacinga blind in a unit is extremely difficult, if not impossible. This can bea problem if a consumer wishes to change the color of the blind assemblyor if a defective blind must be replaced. A consumer usually replacesthe entire unit if they wish to change the color of the blind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention overcomes the noted problems by providing aan improved retrofit doorlight blind assembly having several novelfeatures.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, the operator mechanism forthe raise/lower feature includes gears and a toothed drive belt toensure positive engagement of the drive mechanism. More particularly, afirst gear drives the blind operator rod; a second gear provides anidler, and the toothed belt is looped around the two gears to providethe driving mechanism.

[0008] In a second aspect of the invention, the frame includesmultipurpose blind guides. First, the guides have a C-shaped sectionthat surrounds the edges of the blind to guide the blind during raisingand lowering. Second, the guides secured the glass panel within theframe. Third, the guides hide the mechanism from view. And, fourth, theguides reinforce the frame.

[0009] In a third aspect of the invention, the assembly includes animproved mounting system for mounting the retrofit assembly over adoorlight. More specifically, the mounting system includes a top bracketthat is secured behind the top of the doorlight frame on which theassembly is easily hung. The system also include latches that lockbehind a lower portion of the doorlight frame to secure the bottom ofthe assembly.

[0010] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the blind snap-fits into theassembly frame so that the blind is easily attached to and detached fromthe frame. Specifically, the blind assembly includes a catch that snapsinto a slot on the header. This feature reduces inventory, becauseassemblies can be made to order by snapping any one of a plurality ofblinds (e.g. having a desired feature such as color) into a commonframe. This feature also facilitates subsequent changes to the assembly,such as replacing a blind having one feature with a blind have adifferent feature.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the blind actuator rodincludes an improved technique for securing the actuator cords. Morespecifically, small barrels are mounted transversely in the rod; and theactuator cords are secured within the barrels. This technique eliminatesthe prior art need to glue the cords to the barrel, with the attendantmanufacturing difficulties and costs.

[0012] These and other objects, advantages, and features of theinvention will be more readily understood and appreciated by referenceto the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a door incorporating theblind assembly of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the blind assembly;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the assembly;

[0016]FIG. 4 is an exploded fragmentary view of the assembly;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the assembly showing theblinds retained in the frame taken along the line V-V in FIG. 3;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a rear elevational of the interior of the header of theblind assembly;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the height controlmechanism taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the door ofFIG. 1 taken along line VIII-VIII;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary bottom cross-sectional view of the door ofFIG. 1 taken along line IX-IX; and

[0022]FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of a clip of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] A blind assembly according to a preferred embodiment of thisinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10.

[0024] I. Structure

[0025] The assembly 10 includes a window pane 12, a frame 20, a set ofblinds 22, a tilt control mechanism 24, and a height control mechanism26. The assembly 10 is described for installation over a door D anddoorlight L. However, the assembly 10 may be installed over other,various window types.

[0026] The frame 20 is preferably molded of plastic, although othermaterials, such as wood or metal, may be used. The frame 20 includes topand bottom sides 28 and 30 and left and right sides 32 and 34. The sides28, 30, 32, and 34 meet at right angles and form a rectangle, althoughthe frame 20 may include a larger or smaller number of sides and formother shapes, such as a triangle or octagon. A pane opening 36 isdefined in the center of the frame 20. Although the frame will bedescribed with reference to a rectangular pane opening 36, andaccordingly a rectangular window pane 12, it is to be understood thatthe opening can be of essentially any shape, such as oval or triangular.

[0027] As seen in FIG. 4, each of the bottom, left and right sides 30,32, and 34 of the frame 20 includes a rib 40, extending along itslength. The rib 40 is a substantially rectangular protrusion thatextends approximately the length of the pane opening 36 on each side ofthe frame 20. The rib 40 is preferably integrally molded as part of theframe 20, however the rib 40 may be separately formed and attached tothe frame 20 by conventional means.

[0028] Connected to each rib 40 is a blind guide 42. Blind guides 42 arepreferably molded of plastic, but may be produced of other materialssuch as metal or plastic. As will be explained below, the blind guides42 guide the blinds 22 during use and secure the pane 12 to the frame20. Further, the blind guides 42 reinforce the frame 20 and preventviewing of the internal workings of the assembly 10 when the assembly isinstalled. Each blind guide 42 has a connecting portion 44 and a blindretainer 46.

[0029] The connecting portion 44 is a substantially U-shaped section ofeach blind guide 42 that defines a cavity, the cavity fitting over a rib40 of the frame 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the dimensions of the connectingportion 44 are preferably such that there is a close fit between eachconnecting portion 44 and the corresponding rib 40. When connected tothe rib 40, a first leg 48 of the connecting portion 44 is in contactwith the pane 12 and a second leg 50 of the connecting portion 44 is incontact with the frame 20. This construction secures the pane 12 to theframe 10. The connecting portion 44 can be connected to the rib 40 byany conventional means, such as the use of glue or fasteners.

[0030] Further, each blind guide 42 includes a blind retainer 46. Theblind retainer is an essentially C-shaped section of the blind guide 42and is connected to the connecting portion 44. The width 52 of the blindretainer 46 is approximately equal to the width 54 of the blinds 22.When connected, the open side of the blind retainer 46 faces the pane 12of the assembly 10, providing a channel for the blinds 22 to travel inas they are raised and lowered during use. As with the connectingportion 44, the blind guide has one leg 56 that contacts the pane 12 ofthe assembly 10.

[0031] The connecting portion 44 and blind retainer 46 are preferablymolded as an integral piece, though the elements can be formedseparately and later connected. If molded as an integral piece, the backleg 58 of the blind retainer 46 and the first leg 48 of the connectingportion 44 are preferably molded as a single leg, thus connecting thetwo sections. If not molded as an integral piece, the back leg 58 of theblind retainer 46 is preferably connected to the first leg 48 of theconnecting portion 44 by conventional means, such as the use of glue orother adhesive.

[0032] The set of blinds 22 are conventional window blinds and,therefore, will not be described in detail. The blinds include aplurality of slats 64, preferably manufactured of vinyl or aluminum; ofcourse, other materials such as wood may be used. As discussed above,the blinds 22, and specifically the ends 66 and 68 of the slats 64 ofthe blinds 22, are loosely retained in the blind retainers 46 of theleft and right sides 32 and 34 of the frame 20. A header 70, as seen inFIG. 4, from which the slats 64 are suspended, is fixedly mounted on thetop side 28 of the frame 20. The slats 64 are suspended fromconventional lift adjustment and tilt adjustment, or string ladder, tiltcords 74. The lift cords 72 have first and second ends 75 and 76; thefirst ends 75 are threaded through apertures (not shown) defined by theslats 64 and secured to the lowermost slat 77. The second end 76 of eachlift cord 72 is secured within the header 70. Front and rear tilt cords78 and 79 extend along the front and rear edges 80 and 82 of the slats64. A connector cord (not shown) extends between the front and rear tiltcords 74 and supports each slat 64. The tops of the tilt cords 74 aresecured within the header 70.

[0033] The header 70 is a substantially L-shaped bar that is connectedto the top side 28 of the frame such that a ledge is formed along thetop edge of the pane 12. The header 70 can be connected to the frame 20by any conventional means, such as integrally molding the header 70 aspart of the frame 20 or connecting the two using an adhesive. The header70 includes an attachment leg 106. The attachment leg 106 is a shortprotrusion extending at a right angle from the back leg 108 of theheader 70 such that the back leg 108 of the header 70 lies flat againstthe pane 12 and the attachment leg is connected to the interior of theframe 20. The header 70 further includes a base leg 110 having slots 112for the connection of the tilt control mechanism 24 and height controlmechanism 26 to the frame 20. Each slot 112 is a substantiallyrectangular groove in the base leg 110 of the header 70.

[0034] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tilt control mechanism 24 includesa tilt actuator 84, which is slidably mounted along the left side 32 ofthe frame 20. The tilt actuator 84 includes a spine 86 that protrudesfrom the tilt actuator 84 and fits within a groove 85 present along theleft side 32 of the frame. The spine 86 is preferably a substantiallyrectangular protrusion and the groove 85 is preferably substantiallyU-shaped, the height of the spine 86 being approximately equal to thedepth of the groove 85. Additionally, the tilt actuator 84 includes arearward extending connector 88 for connecting to the remainder of thetilt control mechanism 24, as will be explained in more detail below.The connector 88 extends inwardly from this the groove 85 into theinterior of the frame 20. Preferably, a portion of the edge of the frameis cut away along the groove 85 to facilitate movement of the tiltactuator 84, the tilt actuator 84 being positioned along this cut-awayportion 87.

[0035] The remainder of the tilt control mechanism 24 is located withinthe interior of the frame 20 and is not visible to the user. The tiltcontrol mechanism 24 further includes a tilt belt 90 attached to thetilt actuator 84 by the connector 88. The tilt belt 90 wraps around atilt gear 92 that is affixed to a tilt bar 94, preferably with screws oradhesive. The tilt belt 90 preferably includes grips 98 that interfitwith teeth 100 on the gear to provide a more secure grip between thetwo. A tilt control gear 93 is essentially identical to the tilt gear 92and is mounted at the bottom of the frame 20. The tilt gear 92 and tiltcontrol gear 93 control rotation of the tilt belt 90 during operation ofthe assembly 10. The tilt belt 90 is most preferably molded fromplastic, although other suitable materials such as rubber and fabric maybe used. A portion of the tilt belt 90 optionally consists of a spring102, the spring 102 accounting for thermal expansion of the resultingbelt. The tilt bar 94 extends lengthwise within the interior of theheader 70 and is supported within barrel 114 which snaps into the floorof the header 70. The front and rear tilt adjustment cords 78 and 79 aresecured to the tilt bar 94.

[0036] The tilt gear 92 and tilt control gear 93 are housed withinbaskets 104. Each basket 104 includes two side walls 106 and a back wall108. Each side wall includes a nesting portion 110, which is asubstantially semicircular ridge along the top edge of the wall. Thetilt gear 92 and tilt control gear 93 rest on the nesting portions 110of the side walls 106. The back wall 108 connects the basket 104 and isattached to the frame 20. The back wall 108 can be connected to theframe 20 by any conventional means, such as screwing the back wall 108onto the frame 20 or attaching the two with an adhesive.

[0037] The height control mechanism, or adjuster, 26 includes a heightactuator 120 which is slidably mounted on the right side 34 of the frame20. The height actuator 120 is essentially identical to the tiltactuator 84 and includes a spine 122 which interfits with a groove 124on the right side 34 of the frame 20. As with the tilt control mechanism24, the groove 124 preferably includes a cut-away portion to facilitatemovement of the height actuator 120, and thus adjustment of the blinds22. The height actuator 120 further includes a connector 126 thatconnects the height actuator 120 to the height control mechanism 26.

[0038] The connector 126 of the height actuator 120 is attached to aheight belt 128 which is wrapped around an adjustment gear 130 andadjustment control gear 131, which are housed in baskets 104. The heightbelt 128, adjustment gear 130 and adjustment control gear 131 areessentially identical to the tilt belt 90, tilt gear 92 and tilt controlgear 93, and therefore will not be described in further detail. Theheight control mechanism 26 further includes an adjustment rod 136, athreaded rod 138, and a rod support 140. The adjustment rod 136 is asubstantially circular rod that is connected to the adjustment gear 130such that when the adjustment gear 130 rotates, the adjustment rod 136rotates. Optionally, a bar can be used to connect the adjustment gear130 to the adjustment rod 136. The adjustment rod 136, or at least asubstantial portion thereof, is hollow and is internally threaded. Theadjustment rod includes throughholes 137 through which the second ends76 of the lift cords 72 are threaded. The first ends of the lift cords72 are preferably knotted to secure them to the adjustment rod 136. Acap 139 is also connected to the second end 76 of each lift cord 72around the knotted portion to further ensure the connection of the liftcords 72 to the adjustment rod 136.

[0039] The threaded rod 138 is a substantially circular rod havingthreads along substantially its entire the length, the threads of thethreaded rod 138 corresponding to the threads of the adjustment rod 136so that that threaded rod 138 can be screwed into the adjustment rod136. One end of the threaded rod 138 is screwed at least partially intothe adjustment rod 136 and the opposite end of the threaded rod 138being rigidly connected to the rod support 140, such that as theadjustment rod 136 rotates the adjustment rod 136 is screwed onto thethreaded rod 138. The rod support 140 preferably includes a circularportion 142 that houses an end of the threaded rod 138 and prevents thethreaded rod 138 from rotating during operation of the assembly 10. Therod support 140 also preferably includes a clamp 144 that is connectedto the header. The clamp 144 is preferably substantially U-shaped andinterfits with the base leg 110 of the header 70 to connect the rodsupport 140 to the header 70, and thus the frame 20. Alternatively, therod support may be connected to the header 70 by other conventionalmeans, such as the use of glue or fasteners.

[0040] Each of the adjustment rod 136 and tilt bar 94 extends throughbarrels 114, thus connecting the tilt control mechanism 24 and heightcontrol mechanism 26 to the barrels 114. Barrels 114 include catches 116that interlock with the slots 112. Each barrel 114 is essentially twofigure-8 shaped sections, each section having a large circle 118 beneatha small circle 120. A base 122 is attached to the bottom of each largecircle 118 and extends between the two sections to connect them. A catch116 is a substantially T-shaped protrusion that extends from the bottomof each base 122. Each catch 116 is designed to “snap” fit with a slot112 on the header 70 to connect the tilt control mechanism 24 and heightcontrol mechanism 26 to the header 70.

[0041] As can perhaps be best seen in FIG. 8, latches 150 are connectedalong the top side 28 of the frame 20. Each latch 150 includes a shortframe leg 152 connected to the top side 28 of the frame 20 and a doorleg 154 that is substantially longer than the frame leg 152 and extendsin a direction opposite that of the frame leg 152. An intermediate leg156 connects the frame leg 152 and door leg 154 and is preferablyperpendicular to them both. There are preferably at least two latches150 connected along the top side 28 of the frame 20. Latches 150 can beformed from any materials, but are preferably metal, and can beconnected to frame 20 in any conventional manner.

[0042] As can be seen in FIG. 9, clips 160 are connected along eitherthe bottom side 30 or a lower portion of both the left and right sides32, 34 of the frame 20. Each clip 160 is substantially L-shaped andincludes a base leg 164 and an extending leg 166. Each clip 160optionally includes a substantially rectangular lip 162 extendingperpendicularly from the base leg 164 of the clip 160. The clips 160 arerotatably connected to the frame 20 such that, if the lip 162 is pulled,the clip 160 rotates. The clips can be connected to the frame by anyconventional means, but are preferably connected to the frame 20 withscrews.

[0043] II. Operation

[0044] The assembly 10 is preferably installed over the doorlight of anexisting door. However, the assembly 10 may be used in conjunction withany window style or with windows in any type of structure, such as ahome or office building.

[0045] Before installing the assembly, the blinds 22 must be installed.To install the blinds 22, the catches 116 of the barrels 114 connectedto the tilt control mechanism 24 and the height control mechanism 26,which in turn are connected to the blinds 22, are snapped into slots 112on the header 70. To change the color of the blinds, the barrels 114 canbe detached from the header 70 and new barrels 114, with new blinds 22,can be snapped in.

[0046] After installing the blinds, the assembly 10 is positioned sothat the blinds 22 are sandwiched between the pane 12 and the existingdoorlight. To install the assembly 10 on a doorlight, the latches 150 ofthe assembly 10 are first placed over the existing frame of a doorlightin such a manner as to allow the door leg 154 of each latch 150 to“snap” in between the frame of the existing doorlight and the door. Thesnapping interaction of the latches 150 and the existing frame providesa secure connection of the assembly to the door.

[0047] After connecting the assembly 10 to the door, the clips 160 arerotated such that the extending leg 166 of each clip 160 “snaps” betweenthe frame of the existing doorlight and the door. In this case, thesecuring of the clips 160 between the doorlight frame and door preventsthe assembly 10 from swinging or swaying as the door is opened or closedor during windy conditions.

[0048] To raise or lower the blinds 22, the user grasps the heightactuator 120 of the height control mechanism 26 and slides heightactuator 120 vertically along the cut away portion 132 of the groove124. As the user slides the height actuator 120 down, the height belt128 is moved downward, thus rotating the adjustment gear 130 and, inturn, the adjustment rod 136. As the adjustment rod 136 rotates, it isthreaded onto the threaded rod 138 and the lift cords 72 are coiled ontothe adjustment rod 136, thus pulling the slats 64 vertically upward. Theslats 64 may be raised to any height desired by the user. When the slats64 are raised to the desired position, the user ceases sliding theheight actuator 120 down the track 40.

[0049] To lower the blinds 22, the user slides the height actuator 120vertically upward along the groove 124. As the height belt 128 is pulledupward, the adjustment gear 130 is rotated in the opposite direction,causing the lift cords 72 to unwind from the adjustment rod 136 andlower the slats 54.

[0050] To open the blinds 22, the user grasps the tilt actuator 84 andslides it along the groove 85 along the left side 32 of the frame 20 tothe middle of the left side 32. As the tilt actuator 84 is moved, thetilt belt 90 is moved causing the tilt gear 92 to rotate. As the tiltgear 92 rotates, the tilt cords 74 are twisted causing the slats 64 torotate. When the tilt actuator 84 is positioned in the middle of theassembly 10, the front and rear tilt cords 74 are level, and theconnector cords are horizontal. Thus, the slats 64 lie in a horizontalposition, and the blinds 22 are opened. To close the blinds 22, the userslides the tilt actuator 84 to upwards or downwards from the middleposition. This causes the tilt gear 92 to rotate, thus rotating the tiltbar 94 and causing the tilt cords 74 to twist. As the tilt cords 74twist, one edge of the slats 64 is pulled upward causing the blinds toclose.

[0051] The above description is that of a preferred embodiment of theinvention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in theappended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limitingthe element to the singular.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A retrofit window blindassembly comprising: a frame; a transparent panel supported by saidframe; a blind supported by said frame and including a rotatableactuator rod in turn including a first gear; a second gear; and atoothed belt mounted on said first and second gears, whereby movement ofsaid belt on said first and second gears results in rotation of saidactuator rod.
 2. A retrofit window blind assembly comprising: a framedefining an opening and having two opposite vertical members; atransparent panel supported by said frame within said opening; a blindsupported by said frame and including two opposite ends each proximateone of said vertical members; and a pair of elongated blind guides eachsecured to one of said vertical members, each blind guide defining aC-shaped portion receiving one of said blind ends.
 3. A retrofit windowblind assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said blind guides assist inretaining said panel within said frame.
 4. A retrofit window blindassembly as defined in claim 2 further comprising a blind actuatormechanism within one of said vertical frame members, said blind guidepreventing viewing of the actuator mechanism through said frame opening.5. A retrofit window blind assembly comprising: a frame; a transparentpanel supported by said frame; a blind supported by said frame; andmounting means for mounting said frame on a door and over a doorlight,said mounting means including at least one bracket adapted to be securedbetween the door and an upper portion of the doorlight, said bracketadapted to support said frame whereby said assembly can be hung on saidbracket, said mounting means further including at least movable catch ona lower portion of said frame, said catch being movable between arelease position in which said assembly can be removed from saidbrackets and a secured position between the door and the doorlight.
 6. Aretrofit window blind assembly comprising: a frame; a transparent panelsupported by said frame; a blind supported by said frame, said blindbeing snap-fitted to said frame whereby said blind can be readilymanually installed on said frame and readily manually removed from saidframe.
 7. A window blind assembly comprising: a plurality of slats; anactuator cord operatively coupled to said slats and having an end; andan actuator rod around which said actuator cord is wound, said actuatorrod including a barrel mounted transversely through said actuator rod,said cord end extending through and secured within said barrel.
 8. Awindow blind assembly comprising: a frame having a first side, a secondside and a third side defining a pane opening; a pane positioned withinsaid pane opening and connected to said frame; a blind assemblyincluding blinds connected along one of said first side, said secondside and said third side; and at least one latch connected along one ofsaid first side, said second side and said third side of said frame,said at least one latch including a door leg.
 9. The assembly of claim 8further including clips along a bottom portion of said frame, said clipsbeing rotatably mounted to said bottom portion of said frame such thatsaid clips can snap behind a frame of an existing doorlight.
 10. Theassembly of claim 9 further including lift cords on said blinds and aheight control mechanism for moving said blinds in a vertical directionattached to said lift cords.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein saidheight control mechanism further includes a height actuator and saidframe further includes a first groove along at least one of said firstside, said second side and said third side, said height actuator beingslidably mounted on said first groove.
 12. The assembly of claim 11further including adjustment cords on said blinds and a tilt controlmechanism for opening and closing said blinds attached to saidadjustment cords.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein said tiltcontrol mechanism further includes a tilt actuator and one of said firstside, said second side and said third side includes a second groove,said tilt actuator being slidably mounted along said second groove. 14.The assembly of claim 13, wherein said height control mechanism includesan adjustment gear, an adjustment control gear, a height belt, anadjustment rod and a threaded rod, said lift cords being attached tosaid adjustment rod and said height belt being attached to said actuatorand said adjustment gear such that movement of said actuator causes saidgear to rotate; and wherein said adjustment gear is attached to saidadjustment rod such that rotation of said adjustment gear causes saidadjustment rod to rotate and, in turn, causes said blinds to beadjusted.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein said adjustment cordincludes at least one throughhole and at least one of said lift cords isattached to said adjustment rod through said throughhole.
 16. Theassembly of claim 15, wherein said tilt control mechanism includes atilt gear, a tilt control gear, a tilt belt a tilt actuator, and a tiltbar, said adjustment cords being attached to said tilt bar and said tiltgear, said tilt belt and said tilt actuator interacting such thatmovement of said tilt actuator causes rotation of said tilt gear; andsaid tilt gear being connected to said tilt bar such that rotation ofsaid tilt gear results in rotation of said tilt bar and adjustment ofsaid blinds.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein each of said tiltbelt and said height belt includes grips and each of said tilt gear andsaid adjustment gear include teeth that interfit with said grips duringrotation of said adjustment gear and said tilt gear.
 18. The assembly ofclaim 16 wherein said tilt control mechanism and said height controlmechanism are mounted in a header, said header having at least one slotand said adjustment bar and said tilt bar being mounted in at least onebarrel, said at least one barrel having a catch that interlocks withsaid at least one slot.
 19. A window blind assembly for mounting overand existing doorlight comprising: a frame having a first side, a secondside and a third side defining a pane opening; at least one ribprotruding from at least one of said first side, said second side andsaid third side; at least one blind guide having connecting portion anda blind retainer, said connecting portion interfit with said rib; a panepositioned within said pane opening and sandwiched between saidconnecting portion and said frame; a blind assembly including blindsconnected along one of said first side, said second side and said thirdside, said blinds fitting within said blind guide; and at least onelatch connected along one of said first side, said second side and saidthird side of said frame, said at least one latch including a door leg.20. The assembly of claim 19 further including clips along a bottomportion of said frame, said clips being rotatably mounted to said bottomportion of said frame such that said clips can snap behind a frame of anexisting doorlight.
 21. The assembly of claim 20 further including liftcords on said blinds and a height control mechanism for moving saidblinds in a vertical direction attached to said lift cords.
 22. Theassembly of claim 21, wherein said height control mechanism furtherincludes a height actuator and said frame further includes a firstgroove along at least one of said first side, said second side and saidthird side, said height actuator being slidably mounted on said firstgroove.
 23. The assembly of claim 22 further including adjustment cordson said blinds and a tilt control mechanism for opening and closing saidblinds attached to said adjustment cords.
 24. The assembly of claim 23,wherein said tilt control mechanism further includes a tilt actuator andone of said first side, said second side and said third side includes asecond groove, said tilt actuator being slidably mounted along saidsecond groove.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein said height controlmechanism includes an adjustment gear, an adjustment control gear, aheight belt, an adjustment rod and a threaded rod, said lift cords beingattached to said adjustment rod and said height belt being attached tosaid actuator and said adjustment gear such that movement of saidactuator causes said gear to rotate; and wherein said adjustment gear isattached to said adjustment rod such that rotation of said adjustmentgear causes said adjustment rod to rotate and, in turn, causes saidblinds to be adjusted.
 26. The assembly of claim 25, wherein saidadjustment cord includes at least one throughhole and at least one ofsaid lift cords is attached to said adjustment rod through saidthroughhole.
 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein said tilt controlmechanism includes a tilt gear, a tilt control gear, a tilt belt a tiltactuator, and a tilt bar, said adjustment cords being attached to saidtilt bar and said tilt gear, said tilt belt and said tilt actuatorinteracting such that movement of said tilt actuator causes rotation ofsaid tilt gear; and said tilt gear being connected to said tilt bar suchthat rotation of said tilt gear results in rotation of said tilt bar andadjustment of said blinds.
 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein each ofsaid tilt belt and said height belt includes grips and each of said tiltgear and said adjustment gear include teeth that interfit with saidgrips during rotation of said adjustment gear and said tilt gear. 29.The assembly of claim 28 wherein said tilt control mechanism and saidheight control mechanism are mounted in a header, said header having atleast one slot and said adjustment bar and said tilt bar being mountedin at least one barrel, said at least one barrel having a catch thatinterlocks with said at least one slot.
 30. A window blind assembly formounting over an existing doorlight comprising; a substantiallyrectangular frame having a right side, a left side, a top side and abottom side, said sides defining a pane opening; at least one ribprotruding from each of said left side, said right side and said bottomside; a blind guide having connecting portion and a blind retainerconnected to each of said ribs, each of said connecting portionsinterfit with a rib; a pane positioned within said pane opening andsandwiched between said connecting portion and said frame; a blindassembly including blinds connected along one of said first side, saidsecond side and said third side, said blinds fitting within said blindguide; a header connected along said top side of said frame; a heightcontrol mechanism connected to said header; a tilt control mechanismconnected to said header; and at least one latch connected along one ofsaid first side, said second side and said third side of said frame,said at least one latch including a door leg.
 31. The assembly of claim30, wherein said height control mechanism includes an adjustment gear,an adjustment control gear, a height belt, an adjustment rod and athreaded rod, said lift cords being attached to said adjustment rod andsaid height belt being attached to said actuator and said adjustmentgear such that movement of said actuator causes said gear to rotate; andwherein said adjustment gear is attached to said adjustment rod suchthat rotation of said adjustment gear causes said adjustment rod torotate and, in turn, causes said blinds to be adjusted.
 32. The assemblyof claim 31, wherein said tilt control mechanism includes a tilt gear, atilt control gear, a tilt belt a tilt actuator, and a tilt bar, saidadjustment cords being attached to said tilt bar and said tilt gear,said tilt belt and said tilt actuator interacting such that movement ofsaid tilt actuator causes rotation of said tilt gear; and said tilt gearbeing connected to said tilt bar such that rotation of said tilt gearresults in rotation of said tilt bar and adjustment of said blinds. 33.The assembly of claim 32, wherein said tilt bar and said adjustment barare housed within at least one barrel, said at least one barrel having acatch; and wherein said header further includes at least one slot, saidslot interlocking with said catch to attach said tilt control mechanismand said height control mechanism to said header.
 34. The assembly ofclaim 33, wherein said adjustment rod further includes throughholes forthreadably connecting said lift cords to said adjustment rod.